COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, November 18, 1999 10:35 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DARRYL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 OPENING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, Members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning the Chair welcomes Father Joseph Tizzio, who is the Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. He is here today as a guest of Councilman DiCicco. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
For our invocation this morning, I've chosen a prayer of King Solomon. When God asked King Solomon what he wanted, his response was, "Give me wisdom." So the prayer I'm going to -- the invocation that I will share with you today is the prayer of King Solomon. God of my ancestors, Lord of mercy, You have made all things by Your word, and in Your wisdom, have established humanity to rule the creatures produced by You to govern the world in holiness and justice, and to render judgment and OPENING/INVOCATION integrity of heart. Give me wisdom, the attendant at Your throne. And reject me not from among Your children, for I am Your servant, the son of Your hand maid, a man weak and short-lived, and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws. Indeed, though one be perfect among the sons of men, if wisdom, who comes from You, be not with him, he shall be held in low esteem. Now, with You is wisdom who knows Your works and was present when You made the world, who understand what is pleasing in Your ayes and what is conformable with Your commands. Send her forth from Your holy heavens and from your glorious thrown dispatcher that she may be with me and work with me, that I may know what is Your pleasure. For she knows and understands all things and will guide me discretely in my affairs and safeguard me by her glory. Amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair Father Tizzio for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. 11/10/99 JOURNAL APPROVAL (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of November 10, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the Journal of November 10, 1999. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Wednesday, November 10, 1999 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by voting aye. Those opened? The ayes have it. The motion carries, and the Journal of Wednesday, November 10, 1999 stands approved.
The next order of business is leaves of absence. LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I'm aware of no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, I'd like to introduce today here -
Excuse me, Councilman. Leaves of absence, please.
Oh, I beg your pardon. I'd like to have a leave of absence for Councilman Rizzo and Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. Leave will be granted.
The Chair are dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf all members of City Council, VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to our legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth for the introduction of a guest that he would like to introduce. (Councilman Longstreth comes forward.)
Tomorrow is officially "Operation Brotherhood Day" in the City of Philadelphia. Operation Brotherhood delivers food to the needy for Thanksgiving, and this is their eighth year of sharing in Philadelphia. Operation Brotherhood is sponsored by Skilton House Ministries, along with 110 churches in the Philadelphia area. And the president of Skilton House Ministries, Dr. Robert Knudson, is here with us today, along with wife Alley, Jan Commanda, who's treasurer of Skilton House Ministries, Dr. Azaka, Reverend Henry Cooper, Reverend Sergio Martinez, and Anne Egna, vice president of operations of the VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Brotherhood. I'd like to acknowledge their presence here today as our guests here in Council, and would ask President Verna if it would be possible for a few remarks here from Dr. Robert Knudson.
That would be fine. If he's here, would you please approach the table. (Dr. Knudson comes forward.)
Madam President, Members of Council, and visitors, I come before you this morning as the president of Skilton House Ministries. Skilton House Ministries was begun by the Reverend Dr. Professor John A. Skilton, who, in his later year, was Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Skilton was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he was a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society. He had an impeccable academic record at Westminster Seminary, and was also well-known for his grasp of the Greek New Testament and also the apparatus -the critical apparatus connected thereto. In 1972, Dr. Skilton's mother died. At VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS that time, he decided to withdraw from full-time teaching and devote himself to study and writing. The following year, he then dedicated the house at 930 West Olney Avenue to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. There were students who were housed there, and Cambodian, Vietnamese, and other children were educated there. It was a source of Evangelistic and also academic work. This year, we are just about ready for our annual packing operation, which will occur tomorrow at the Korean United Church. We are planning to distribute nearly 1400 turkeys and baskets to needy families, which have been identified by the churches. We believe strongly, our faith compels us to think of those who are in need, but we are not only concerned with their physical needs, but we also want to minister to their spiritual needs. And so what we do is encourage the churches to follow up and to exercise pastoral care over these people. Jesus Christ is recorded as saying that at the last day, those who are righteous and those who are unjust will come before Him at the VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS judgment day, and that He will then say to those who are on His right hand to the righteous, He said that He did so many things for Him and they asked then, What did we do for You? They will also answer, Lord, when did we see You hunger or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not help You? He will reply, I tell you the truth, whoever you did not do for me, of the least of these, You did not do for me. And then they will go away to eternal punishment but the righteous to return to life. But to the righteous he says, Insofar as you did it to the least of these, my brethren, you did it unto me. Skilton House Ministries seeks to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, seeks to be among those of whom he would say insofar as did you it to the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me. Again, we are exceedingly grateful for the citation you have given us. We shall treasure it, we shall keep it as a thing of honor. Again, thank you, and thank you, Councilman Longstreth, for your help. (Applause.)
The Chair VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS thanks DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have the pleasure of introducing two young ladies, one who will be shadowing me, and that is Shameeka McDuffie, a 9th-grader at Simon Gratz High School, and she is aspiring to become a nurse. Shameeka, will you stand up. (Applause.)
The other young lady, who is not shadowing me but will be shadowing a dear friend of ours from, Ed McBride -- and she must cast a large shadow to do that. I can say that, he's my friend. (Applause.)
Her name is -- her name is Asheema Young. She's 14 years old, she's a student at Audenried High School, a 9th-grader. And she's studying in the design tech, works on computers, and she lives in the 31st and Tasker Street area. Asheema, where are you? There you go. (Applause.)
We certainly COMMUNICATIONS welcome our guests. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I also have a guest shadowing Angel Cruz, one of my administrative assistants. It's his lovely niece Natasha Cruz, who's a 10th-grader at George Washington High School. Natasha, stand up. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms to deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the Honorable Anna Verna, President of City Council. Dear President Verna: I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 152, by placing Yokum COMMUNICATIONS Street on the City Plan in the vicinity of 68th Street and Greenway Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of Area Two Cable Television franchise from Wade Communications, a partnership, a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc., to Urban Cable Works, Philadelphia, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership, formed by Wade Communications Partnership, as a minority partner, and companies controlled by Inner City Broadcasting Corporation as majority partners, under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Corporation ("Museum of Art") under which the City will acquire the ground and building commonly referred to as the Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company building. An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by change the zoning designations certain of areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Crossing Creek, COMMUNICATIONS Carter Road, a line approximately 960 feet southwest of South Hampton Road. An ordinance granting permission to Metrocom, Inc. a Delaware corporation, registered to do business in Pennsylvania and its successors assigns, and agents, to construct, install, maintain, operate, use, repair, replace, and remove a communications system.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is the instruction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark to make a motion, please.
Madam Chair, I move -- Madam President, I move that all INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolutions be considered at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion carries. The Chair recognizes -- Councilman Nutter do you want to be recognized? Your light is on.
Madam President, I have just been informed that some additional guests are here, but I can wait until a more appropriate time if we're in the middle of the introduction of bills.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, today I have no bills or resolutions. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I have three bills and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Jitner Delwadi, owner of the newsstand located at the southwest corner of 34th and Spruce Streets, to construct, use, and maintain an oversized prototype newsstand on a temporary basis, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance granting permission to Yaspoul Midlah, owner of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of 36th and Walnut Streets to construct, use, and maintain an oversized prototype newsstand, under INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the regularly open portions of 45th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution supporting the City of Philadelphia's commitment to provide a portion of the required local matching funds for the construction of the Botanical Trail on public rights of way in West Philadelphia, between the University City District and Historic Bartram Gardens.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The clerk please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on the east side of State Road, between Linden Avenue and Rhawn Street, for the purpose of securing and facilitating a control area for emergency response in front of the northeast municipal complex.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 from the General Fund - The Director of Finance Contributions to the School District tax cuts of the City Representative and the Director of Commerce.
This bill will be referred to the property committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I have one bill and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 194 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Bodine Street from Cumberland Street to Huntington Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of the City of Philadelphia deeds for property situate in the 19th, 23rd, 37th, and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 7th, 18th, 19th, and the 23rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions, all on your behalf.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing real-estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS property needed for use by the Philadelphia International Airport in particular by authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by amicable negotiation or by condemnation fee simple title to certain parcels of property.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 152 by placing Yokum Street on the City Plan in the vicinity of 68th Street and Greenway Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 26th, 36th, and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Kenney.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Stenson Avenue, both sides, from Broad Street to 17th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance granting permission to Joihti A. Patel, owner of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of Wayne and Chelten Avenues, to construct, use, and maintain an oversized prototype newsstand, under INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in 11th, 12th, 13th, and 17th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried.
And a resolution recognizing November as "National Diabetes Month" INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS and honoring the exemplary service and commitment of the American Diabetes Association in increasing awareness through the African-American Program and other initiatives geared towards known high-risk sectors of the population.
I believe this is to be referred to committee. I'm sorry, I was distracted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of that resolution again, please.
A resolution recognizing November as "National Diabetes Month" and honoring the exemplary service and commitment of the American Diabetes Association in increasing awareness through the African-American Program and other initiatives geared towards known high-risk sectors of the population.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. Councilman Councilwoman Miller, would you please approach. (Councilwoman Miller confers with Council President Verna off the record.)
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-1703 relating to zoning and use regulation permits to provide that the Department of Licenses and Inspections must deny certain INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS zoning or other registration permit applications that are made within a certain period after substantially similar application was finally denied and to provide for appeals.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance renewing the Area Two Cable Television franchise held by Wade Communications Partnership, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of the Area Two Cable Television franchise from Wade Communications Partnership, a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc., to Urban Cable Works of Philadelphia LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership, for and by Wade Communications Partnership as a minority partner, and companies controlled by Inner City Broadcasting Corporation as minority partner, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold investigative hearings into the construction, marketing, and sale of new homes to first-time home buyers by New Century Homes and Affordable Residents, Inc.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
I'd like to speak on that resolution, please, if possible.
Thank you very INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS much. During the period of September 1994 through December 1997, over 150 working-class residents of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 9th and 10th Councilmatic Districts of the City of Philadelphia pursued their dreams of home ownership and purchased newly-constructed homes from a local housing developer. Within 12 months of purchasing these homes, over 90 percent of the homeowners were subjected to bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosure, default, and were prospectively homeless. After receiving legal and other counseling assistance, it was concluded that an overwhelming number of irregularities, improprieties, and fraudulent misrepresentations occurred during the transactions which led to the purchase of these homes. While our constituents are attempting to maintain some sense of sanity during these grueling times, the developer is still building in Philadelphia and owes the City of Philadelphia more than $620,178 in delinquent real-estate transfer taxes, business-privilege taxes, and wage INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS taxes, as reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and the Philadelphia Weekly, and confirmed by our Law Department. So this is a very important resolution, and we want to know that all Members of Council would be interested and support it and attend the hearings. Thank you.
Thank you. The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution joining the AFL-CIO religious and community leaders in support of the International Day of Action, on November 30, 1999, to challenge the practices of the World Trade Organization, which weakens workers' rights, environmental protection, and consumer safety. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills, one of which was cosponsored by Councilwoman Tasco, and one privileged resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-210 of the Philadelphia Code INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS entitled "Telephone Booths," by prohibiting the installation or maintenance of any public pay telephone or encroaching on the public right-of-way without the grant of a concession by the Department of Public Property, and by imposing requirements for the operation and maintenance of such telephones, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance to Metrocom Inc., a Delaware corporation registered to do business in Pennsylvania, and its successors, assigns, and agents to construct, install, maintain, and operate, use, repair, replace, and remove a communication system and appurtenances for the provision of wireless data communications.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded at the point of INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Penn Street, 140 feet northeast of Christopher Columbus Boulevard, and extending 624 feet along said Penn Street, thence extending to the Delaware River.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
I'm sorry, did you say two? Councilman Clarke, how many bills?
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code relating to the regulation of business, trades, and professions by amending Chapter 9-210 entitled, "Telephone Booths," prohibiting telephone booths within 20 feet of any establishment that sells malt or brewed beverages, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code relating to the regulation of businesses, trades, and INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS professions by amending Chapter 9-2000, entitled "Sale of Malt or Brewed Beverages" to further regulate and restrict the operation of businesses that sell malt or brewed beverages, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole moves that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading for Bill No. 970214, 970652, and 980303. The Chair also moves that Bill No. 990680, 990681, 990683, and 990685 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. The Chair notes that Bill No. 960662, 960663, and 980927 are being withdrawn.
Councilwoman Clark, do you care to make a motion to suspend the rules on the three bills on today's calendar?
The first three bills are 970214, 970652, and 980303. I move that the rules be suspended so as to permit first INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS reading of those three, Madam President.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 970214, 970652, and 980303 on today's calendar. Those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. These bills will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Bill No.'s 990680, 990681, 990683, and 990685 will be placed on the first-reading calendar for our next meeting. The record should also reflect that Bill No.'s 960662, 960663, and 980927 are being withdrawn.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole Council, to which was referred: INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Bill No. 970214, an ordinance amending Section 19-1303(4) of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Authorization to Offer Exemptions from Real-Estate Taxes on New Construction or Residential Property," by changing the period of the exemption from three years to ten years, under certain terms and conditions; Bill No. 970652, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Real-estate Taxes," by amending the section providing for the exemption from real-estate taxes on improvements to residential properties to expand the scope of the exemption; Bill No. 980303, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1400 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Realty Transfer Tax," by decreasing the rate of the tax beginning July 1, 1998 by amending the definition of "real-estate company" by amending the definition of "acquired real-estate company," the transfer of which is subject to the tax by limiting to individuals the exception for reclaiming purchase money deeds in lieu of foreclosure, all under certain terms and conditions. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Bill 990680, an ordinance creating the New Market Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the New Market Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Second Street on the west, Pine Street on the north, Lombard Street on the south, and Front Street on the east, and making certain findings and declarations, all in accordance with Tax Increment Financing District Act, being the Act of July 11, 1990, P.L. 465, No. 113, as amended; and authorizing the Director of Finance and other officers of the City to execute the documents and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this ordinance; Bill No. 990681, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 25, 1998, Bill No. 980306, which created the Penn's Landing Tax Increment Financing District by amending the effective date of the District and making certain findings and declarations, all in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act. Bill No. 990683, an ordinance creating INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the 13th Street Passage Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the 13th Street Passage Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Juniper Street on the west, Chestnut Street on the north, Walnut Street on the south, and 12th Street on the east; And Bill 990685, an ordinance creating the Gateway Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Gateway Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by 16th Street on the west, Vine Street on the north, Spring Street on the south, and 15th Street on the east, and making certain finding and declarations, all in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing District, being the act of July 11, 1990, P.L. 465, No. 113, as amended; and authorizing the Director of Finance and other officers of the City to execute, document, and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this ordinance; INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report of the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Council Committee on Rules reports out Bills No. 990670, 990686, and 990687, with a favorable recommendations.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill 990670, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 16, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area by approving the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS urban renewal plan, which provides, inter alia, for the expansion of the southwestern boundary from Wharton Street east, south of 35th Street, along the westerly right-of-way of the B and O Railroad, to the south side of Reed Street, then west along the south side of Reed Street, to the east side of the pier head line and bulk head line of the Schuylkill River, then north and east along the east side of the pier head line and the bulk head of the Schuykill River to Pelt Street, updating the boundaries and land acquisition and the proposed use map and the properties rehabilitation standards, all contained in the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the ninth amendment to the urban renewal plan.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 990670, 990686, and 990687 today.
Do I a hear a second? (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 990670, 990686, and 990687 on today's calendar. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. These bills will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you. The Chair moves that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading for Bill No. 990555. We also move that Bill No. 990679 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
Do you mind INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS repeating that, please?
Excuse me, Councilwoman. You're simply reporting out the two bills with a favorable recommendation?
All right. Would you please present that to the -
Councilwoman, you'll make a motion for the suspension once they're read?
Yes. The Chair moves that the rules of Council be suspended to permit to permit first reading -
Councilwoman, I'm sorry. The Chief Clerk will read the report and then you will make your motion and then it will be seconded.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 990555 -- an ordinance amending Section 22-310 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan" ("DROP") by specifying that the maximum time an employee may remain in the DROP before being required to separate from the City service and retire is four years, not three years, thereby correcting an error in the section as added by Bill No. 990288-A, approved June 28, 1999, under certain terms and conditions -- respectfully report it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, we move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading for Bill 990555. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990555 on today's calendar. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today.
The next other of business is consideration of the calendar.
The record will reflect that Bill No. 990679 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting.
The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 970214, an ordinance amending Section 19-1303(4) of The Philadelphia Code, entitled " Authorization to Offer Exemptions from Real-Estate Tax on New Construction of Residential Properties," by changing the period of the exemption from three years to ten years, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 970652, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of Philadelphia Code, entitle "Real-Estate Tax," by amending the section providing for the exemption of real-estate taxes on improvements to residential properties to expand the scope of the FIRST-READING CALENDAR exemption.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 980303, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1400 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Realty Transfer Tax," by decreasing the rate of the tax beginning July 1, 1998, by amending the definition of "real-estate company" and by amending the definition of "acquired real-estate company," the transfer of which is subject to the tax.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990670, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 16, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area by FIRST-READING CALENDAR approving the ninth amendment.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990686, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990687, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987 which approved the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area by approving the FIRST-READING CALENDAR seventh amendment.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990555, an ordinance amending Section 22-310 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan," ("DROP"), by specifying that the maximum time that an employee may remain in the DROP before being required to separate from the City service and retire is four years, not three years, thereby correcting an error.